DESCRIPTION: Up to 15mm in length. Also known as the Narcissus Bulb Fly this bumble bee mimic is identified by its densely hairy body that comes in a range of colour forms such as black with red tail, tawny and black and yellow with white tail and variations of. The legs are entirely black and robust with a triangular projection found beneath the distal part of the hind femur. BEHAVIOUR: Males patrol and perch. The creamy brown larvae take up to 300 days to grow, once hatched the adult only lives for 5 - 24 days. HABITAT: It is usually found in gardens, woodland or hedgerows were the larval foodplant is located, i.e. Bluebell or Daffodil bulbs. PERIOD: Late April to late September with a peak around May. |
